November festivals

What this month’s list doesn’t reflect is the vast number of tree lighting, welcome to winter, get ready for the holidays festivals and craft fairs. Check your local community chamber for local information. Don’t forget to check the Minnesota Historical Society’s event page; they’ve always got something interesting going on.

Minneapolis
Art Attack
Nov. 5-7
A warehouse full of art and artists, all in time for the holidays.

Rochester
Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours
Tues., Wed., Fri.-Sun., Nov. 5-28
Advance registration required. Visit the home of the Mayo Clinic founder and see it decorated for the holidays, with guided tours to explain the historical significance of the home.

Two Harbors
Annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting
Nov. 10
The anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is commemorated with special tours that allow visitors to see the lighthouse beacon lit from inside the lighthouse, the only time each year that this privilege is available. Bring warm clothes.

Madison
Norsefest
Nov. 11-13
Ludefisk eating contests. You don’t want to eat? Go to watch. Also—other kinds of food. And art shows, and a talent show, and Norsky bingo.

Lutsen
Annual Masters’ Bluegrass Weekend
Nov. 13-15
The 20th annual celebration of bluegrass in a beautiful locale.

Grand Marais
Winterer’s Gathering & Arctic Film Festival
Nov. 18-21
The North House Folk School outdoes itself with this festival, including all manner of winter skill courses (building a wood stove, snowshoe construction, build a traditional toboggan), ski and gear swap, winter camping, and movies from countries such as Iceland, Mongolia, and Canada.

Minneapolis
MCAD Annual Art Sale
Nov. 18-20
This is your chance to find that “artist on the verge.” MCAD students create and sell artworks. Go early.

Minneapolis
Harvest Jamboree
Nov. 19-21
The Minnesota Bluegrass Old-Time Music Association began this festival just three years ago, combining old-time bluegrass with live concerts, workshops, contests, and a banquet.

Blue Earth
The Scarfing of the Jolly Green Giant
Nov. 20
Be there by 11 a.m., or you’ll miss the spectacle of Santa being lifted by machine to wrap a warm scarf around the Giant’s neck.

Aitkin
Fish House Parade
Nov. 26
Wild and crazy ice fishers decorate their  fish houses and take them on parade prior to settling them on the frozen lake for the season.

St. Paul
Hmong New Year
Nov. 26-28
This is the 34th year this event has taken place in St. Paul. Visit to learn more about the Twin Cities’ Hmong community, and enjoy live music, dancing, a beauty contest, and food.

Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Thurs-Sun, Nov. 26-Dec. 19
Truly a parade of lights, with life-size fairy tale characters decked out in splendid lit-up costumes. Allow extra time for traffic and parking, and if you’re planning on dining before or after, make reservations ahead or be prepared to wait.